The cost of the new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point C in Somerset has risen by £1.5 billion to £19.6 billion.

But EDF Energy, which is building the plant and has a major centre at Barnwood, has sounded a confident note about the progress of the project.

EDF said: "The estimated additional costs result mainly from a better understanding of the design adapted to the requirements of the British regulators, the volume and sequencing of work on site and the gradual implementation of supplier contracts."

EDF is building two new reactors on the site and they are expected to provide seven per cent of the UK's power over 60 years.

The project is expected to provide a major boost to the region's economy with the creation of around 25,000 jobs.

EDF said: "The construction of Hinkley Point C continues to make good progress with 1,600 workers on site each day. Concrete has been poured to build the first permanent structures at the power station and construction has begun on a 500m temporary jetty which will bring 80 per cent of materials to the site by sea."

The first new nuclear plant in the UK for a generation, it will take ten years to complete.

Pictures: EDF Energy

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